[ESPN] NBA 实力排行榜：自由球员市场后，30 支球队的实力排名

阿拉莫议事厅
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由生成式人工智能翻译，译文内容可能不准确或不完整，以原文为准。

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  • ESPN

2024 年 7 月 17 日，美国东部时间上午 8:00

随着自由球员市场的尘埃落定，各支球队正着手准备即将到来的 2024-25 NBA 赛季，离赛季开始只有几个月的时间了。

一些球队正在适应他们新获得的超级巨星，比如费城 76 人队和保罗·乔治（Paul George），他将加入乔尔·恩比德（Joel Embiid）和泰瑞斯·马克西（Tyrese Maxey）的行列，组成东部的一支进攻强队。

其他大牌球星也可能会有所动作，比如犹他爵士队和劳里·马尔卡宁（Lauri Markkanen）仍然是休赛期值得关注的球员，因为他们正在谈判续约事宜。

马刺队会凭借克里斯·保罗（Chris Paul）和维克多·文班亚马（Victor Wembanyama）实现飞跃吗？克莱·汤普森（Klay Thompson）将如何融入卢卡·东契奇（Luka Doncic）和凯里·欧文（Kyrie Irving）的二人组？拉塞尔·威斯布鲁克（Russell Westbrook）会在丹佛找到新家吗？

在经历了几周激动人心的 NBA 自由球员市场之后，我们的 NBA 内部人士将分析一些最大的问题，以及各支球队在本休赛期还需要解决哪些问题。

注意： 我们的专家小组（肯德拉·安德鲁斯、蒂姆·邦坦普斯、贾马尔·科利尔、安德鲁·洛佩兹、蒂姆·麦克马洪、戴夫·麦克梅纳明、奥姆·扬米苏克、克里斯·赫林、凯文·佩尔顿和鲍比·马克斯）在 NBA 选秀和自由球员市场结束后，对所有 30 支球队进行了排名。

1. 波士顿凯尔特人队

  • 重要引援： 贝勒·谢尔曼（Baylor Scheiermann）（通过选秀）
  • 重要离队： 无

卫冕冠军与杰森·塔图姆（Jayson Tatum）和德里克·怀特（Derrick White）续约，他们应该会在下赛季作为夺冠热门球队回归 NBA 总决赛。然而，现在笼罩在这支球队头上的问题是，在凯尔特人队老板维克·格罗斯贝克（Wyc Grousbeck）宣布将在未来几个月内出售球队后，谁将成为球队的下一任老板。这个时间线尤其重要，因为球队在 2025-26 赛季可能会面临创纪录的 5 亿美元的工资帽和奢侈税。 – 蒂姆·邦坦普斯

2. 俄克拉荷马雷霆队

  • 重要引援： 亚历克斯·卡鲁索（Alex Caruso）（通过交易）、以赛亚·哈尔滕施泰因（Isaiah Hartenstein）（通过自由球员市场）、尼古拉·约维奇（Nikola Topic）（通过选秀）、狄龙·琼斯（Dillon Jones）（通过选秀）
  • 重要离队： 约什·吉迪（Josh Giddey）（通过交易）、林迪·沃特斯三世（Lindy Waters III）（通过交易）、迈克·穆斯卡拉（Mike Muscala）（退役）

在 NBA 历史上最年轻的头号种子球队在休赛期获得了两位杰出的角色球员后，所有球员将如何融合？中锋以赛亚·哈尔滕施泰因会和他的 7 英尺高的队友切特·霍姆格伦（Chet Holmgren）一起首发吗？第五个首发位置会给后卫亚历克斯·卡鲁索，让他和卢·多特（Lu Dort）组成联盟中最强的外线防守二人组吗？首发阵容会根据对手的不同而有所变化吗？对于卫冕年度最佳教练马克·戴格诺特（Mark Daigneault）来说，这些都是很好的问题。 – 蒂姆·麦克马洪

3. 明尼苏达森林狼队

  • 重要引援： 罗伯·迪林厄姆（Rob Dillingham）（通过选秀）、特伦斯·香农二世（Terrence Shannon Jr.）（通过选秀）、乔·英格尔斯（Joe Ingles）（通过自由球员市场）
  • 重要离队： 凯尔·安德森（Kyle Anderson）（通过自由球员市场）、乔丹·麦克劳克林（Jordan McLaughlin）（通过自由球员市场）、温德尔·摩尔二世（Wendell Moore Jr.）（通过交易）、蒙特·莫里斯（Monte Morris）（通过自由球员市场）

在经历了球队 20 年来最成功的赛季后，森林狼队在今年夏天的表现有很多可圈可点之处。他们与主教练克里斯·芬奇（Chris Finch）续约；在选秀中选中了后卫罗伯·迪林厄姆和特伦斯·香农二世；安东尼·爱德华兹（Anthony Edwards）和尼基尔·亚历山大-沃克（Nickeil Alexander-Walker）分别承诺将代表美国和加拿大参加奥运会，这只会让他们的比赛更加出色。 – 戴夫·麦克梅纳明

4. 纽约尼克斯队

  • 重要引援： 米卡尔·布里奇斯（Mikal Bridges）（通过交易）、帕科姆·达迪特（Pacome Dadiet）（通过选秀）
  • 重要离队： 博扬·博格达诺维奇（Bojan Bogdanovic）（通过交易）、亚历克·伯克斯（Alec Burks）（通过自由球员市场）、以赛亚·哈尔滕施泰因（通过自由球员市场）、谢克·米尔顿（Shake Milton）（通过先签后换）

对于尼克斯队来说，这是一个意义非凡的月份，他们与 OG·阿努诺比（OG Anunoby）续约，通过交易得到了米卡尔·布里奇斯，并签下了杰伦·布伦森（Jalen Brunson）。目前尚未解决的是，在以赛亚·哈尔滕施泰因以自由球员身份加盟雷霆队后，纽约将在替补中锋位置上做些什么。主教练汤姆·锡伯杜（Tom Thibodeau）重视篮筐保护，而现在尼克斯队在米切尔·罗宾逊（Mitchell Robinson）和他的长期伤病史之后，在 5 号位上有一个很大的漏洞需要填补。 – 邦坦普斯

5. 达拉斯独行侠队

  • 重要引援： 克莱·汤普森（通过先签后换）、纳吉·马歇尔（Naji Marshall）（通过自由球员市场）
  • 重要离队： 乔什·格林（Josh Green）（通过交易）、小蒂姆·哈达威（Tim Hardaway Jr.）（通过交易）、德里克·琼斯二世（Derrick Jones Jr.）（通过自由球员市场）

毫无疑问，在招募了历史级别的伟大射手克莱·汤普森来辅佐上赛季 NBA 最高得分二人组卢卡·东契奇和凯里·欧文之后，达拉斯将跻身联盟进攻精英球队的行列。独行侠队能够围绕这三位球员打造出一支优秀的防守球队吗？这可能会决定达拉斯能否重返总决赛。在上赛季的最后 20 场比赛中，独行侠队变成了一支争冠球队，在那期间他们的防守效率排名联盟第一。他们指望着纳吉·马歇尔能顶替德里克·琼斯二世的位置，而大个子德雷克·莱弗利二世（Dereck Lively II）在经历了新秀赛季和季后赛的强势表现后，也能继续进步。 – 麦克马洪

6. 费城 76 人队

  • 重要引援： 保罗·乔治（通过自由球员市场）、凯莱布·马丁（Caleb Martin）（通过自由球员市场）、安德烈·德拉蒙德（Andre Drummond）（通过自由球员市场）、埃里克·戈登（Eric Gordon）（通过自由球员市场）、贾里德·麦凯恩（Jared McCain）（通过选秀）、阿德姆·博纳（Adem Bona）（通过选秀）
  • 重要离队： 保罗·里德（Paul Reed）（通过裁员）、巴迪·希尔德（Buddy Hield）（通过交易）

没有哪支东部球队比 76 人队更应该对他们的休赛期感到满意了，他们签下了自由球员保罗·乔治，作为他们的第三位球星，与乔尔·恩比德和泰瑞斯·马克西并肩作战。费城还与前迈阿密侧翼球员凯莱布·马丁签下了一份四年 3200 万美元的合同，他是联盟中最好的角色球员之一，并且还设法签下了安德烈·德拉蒙德，他在过去两个赛季中，在每场比赛至少出场 60 场的球员中，进攻篮板率都领跑 NBA。经验丰富的射手埃里克·戈登应该能为替补席提供一些火力，而与凯利·奥布雷二世（Kelly Oubre Jr.）和凯尔·洛瑞（Kyle Lowry）续约也是至关重要的。如果费城能够保持健康——恩比德和乔治在过去三个赛季中总共缺席了 158 场比赛——那么 76 人队能够并且应该去争夺总冠军。 – 克里斯·赫林

7. 丹佛掘金队

  • 重要引援： 达隆·霍姆斯二世（DaRon Holmes II）（通过选秀）、达里奥·沙里奇（Dario Saric）（通过自由球员市场）
  • 重要离队： 肯塔维奥斯·卡德威尔-波普（Kentavious Caldwell-Pope）（通过自由球员市场）、雷吉·杰克逊（Reggie Jackson）（通过交易）

在夏季联赛的第一场比赛中，掘金队就遭遇了当头一棒，首轮新秀达隆·霍姆斯遭遇跟腱撕裂，赛季报销。霍姆斯本应扮演一个潜在的重要角色，成为一名关键的替补大个子。尽管丹佛在自由球员市场上签下了达里奥·沙里奇，但掘金队还需要更多经验丰富的老将。据联盟消息人士透露，拉塞尔·威斯布鲁克是掘金队关注的对象之一，快船队和威斯布鲁克的经纪人正在探索这位前 MVP 控球后卫的交易方案。掘金队在交易走雷吉·杰克逊后，需要一名经验丰富的替补控球后卫，并且在肯塔维奥斯·卡德威尔-波普以自由球员身份离队后，他们也需要一名运动能力出色的防守球员，如果威斯布鲁克被裁掉，掘金队对他很感兴趣。丹佛还需要弄清楚他们想对齐克·纳吉（Zeke Nnaji）做些什么，他在去年 10 月签下了一份四年 3200 万美元的续约合同，但上赛季场均只出场 9.9 分钟。 – 奥姆·扬米苏克

8. 密尔沃基雄鹿队

  • 重要引援： 德隆·赖特（Delon Wright）（通过自由球员市场）、托里恩·普林斯（Taurean Prince）（通过自由球员市场）
  • 重要离队： 马利克·比斯利（Malik Beasley）（通过自由球员市场）

雄鹿队是会重新夺回他们作为东部真正竞争者的位置，还是会被东部其他球队超越？当他们的许多对手都在进行大动作的时候，雄鹿队却度过了一个平静的夏天。在上赛季训练营开始前交易得到达米安·利拉德（Damian Lillard），并在赛季中期聘请多克·里弗斯（Doc Rivers）担任主教练后，密尔沃基希望在下赛季围绕超级巨星扬尼斯·阿德托昆博（Giannis Antetokounmpo）打造一些阵容连续性。密尔沃基在经历了一个起起伏伏的赛季后，在首轮就被淘汰出局，而且由于阿德托昆博左小腿受伤，他们也从未在季后赛中以完整阵容出战。 – 贾马尔·科利尔

9. 印第安纳步行者队

  • 重要引援： 詹姆斯·怀斯曼（James Wiseman）（通过自由球员市场）
  • 重要离队： 杰伦·史密斯（Jalen Smith）（通过自由球员市场）

步行者队上赛季出人意料地打进了东部决赛，他们在休赛期确保了这支球队的核心阵容能够在下赛季继续保持下去。他们与帕斯卡尔·西亚卡姆（Pascal Siakam）和奥比·托平（Obi Toppin）续约，以保持轮换阵容的完整性，但同时也获得了季后赛的宝贵经验。现在，这支球队能够在这次不太可能的季后赛之旅的基础上继续前进吗？ – 科利尔

10. 克利夫兰骑士队

  • 重要引援： 杰伦·泰森（Jaylon Tyson）（通过选秀）、肯尼·阿特金森（Kenny Atkinson）（主教练）
  • 重要离队： J.B. 比克斯塔夫（J.B. Bickerstaff）（主教练）

骑士队愿意缴纳奢侈税吗？ESPN 的布莱恩·温德霍斯特（Brian Windhorst）在上周的“篮球大会”节目中暗示了这一点，这对克利夫兰来说是必要的，以便与 3D 侧翼球员艾萨克·奥科罗（Isaac Okoro）续约，他是市场上剩下的顶级受限制自由球员。到目前为止，骑士队还没有找到奥科罗的替代者，只增加了 20 号秀杰伦·泰森。这使得奥科罗的回归成为必要条件，但即使是他 1270 万美元的资质报价也会让克利夫兰陷入奢侈税的困境。由于骑士队似乎几乎完全保留了上赛季的阵容，因此提高地板空间的重任落在了新教练肯尼·阿特金森和埃文·莫布里（Evan Mobley）的身上。 – 凯文·佩尔顿

11. 奥兰多魔术队

  • 重要引援： 肯塔维奥斯·卡德威尔-波普（通过自由球员市场）、特里斯坦·达席尔瓦（Tristan da Silva）（通过选秀）
  • 重要离队： 乔·英格尔斯（通过自由球员市场）

赢得 47 场比赛的魔术队通过签下肯塔维奥斯·卡德威尔-波普，填补了一个重要的漏洞，他是联盟中最好的角色球员和外线投手之一。上赛季，没有哪支球队的 3 分球出手次数比奥兰多更少，他们的 3 分球命中率也排名第 24 位。与此同时，卡德威尔-波普在过去五个赛季的三分球命中率都超过了 40%，在过去八个赛季的底角三分球命中率接近 43%。球队的管理层明智地决定 largely tahankan daftar muda ini yang dipimpin oleh Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, dan Jalen Suggs, yang memiliki banyak ruang untuk peningkatan pada 2024-25. – 赫林

12. 菲尼克斯太阳队

  • 重要引援： 迈克·布登霍尔泽（Mike Budenholzer）（主教练）、瑞安·邓恩（Ryan Dunn）（通过选秀）、梅森·普拉姆利（Mason Plumlee）（通过自由球员市场）
  • 重要离队： 弗兰克·沃格尔（Frank Vogel）（主教练）、德鲁·尤班克斯（Drew Eubanks）（通过自由球员市场）、埃里克·戈登（通过自由球员市场）

上赛季缺乏阵容深度的菲尼克斯太阳队在休赛期并没有做太多努力来解决这个问题，中锋梅森·普拉姆利和后卫蒙特·莫里斯是太阳队仅有的重要引援。这两名球员在他们的职业生涯中都曾有过高效的表现，但他们最近在快船队和森林狼队的表现并不理想。新教练迈克·布登霍尔泽肩负着重任，他需要让太阳队的防守比弗兰克·沃格尔执教时更上一层楼，当时太阳队的防守效率排名联盟第 13 位。 – 麦克马洪

13. 孟菲斯灰熊队

  • 重要引援： 扎克·埃迪（Zach Edey）（通过选秀）
  • 重要离队： 无

一支上赛季只赢了 27 场比赛的球队，通常会在休赛期经历重大变化。但灰熊队上赛季受到了贾·莫兰特（Ja Morant）赛季初停赛和球队伤病的影响，包括莫兰特赛季报销的肩伤。灰熊队将迎来健康的莫兰特和强大的首发阵容，包括马库斯·斯马特（Marcus Smart）、德斯蒙德·贝恩（Desmond Bane）和贾伦·杰克逊二世（Jaren Jackson Jr.）。灰熊队还在第九顺位选中了扎克·埃迪，以补充前场阵容。灰熊队上赛季失利的一个好处是 2023 年二轮秀 GG·杰克逊二世（GG Jackson II）的成长，他获得了大量的上场时间，并入选了最佳新秀阵容二阵。 – 鲍比·马克斯

14. 新奥尔良鹈鹕队

  • 重要引援： 德章泰·默里（Dejounte Murray）（通过交易）、伊夫·米西（Yves Missi）（通过选秀）
  • 重要离队： 戴森·丹尼尔斯（Dyson Daniels）（通过交易）、小拉里·南斯（Larry Nance Jr.）（通过交易）、E.J. 利德尔（E.J. Liddell）（通过交易）、科迪·泽勒（Cody Zeller）（通过交易）、纳吉·马歇尔（通过自由球员市场）、约纳斯·瓦兰丘纳斯（Jonas Valanciunas）（通过自由球员市场）

尽管在休赛期最大的一笔交易中得到了德章泰·默里，但鹈鹕队最重要的问

点击查看原文：NBA Power Rankings: How all 30 teams stack up after free agency

NBA Power Rankings: How all 30 teams stack up after free agency

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  • ESPN

Jul 17, 2024, 08:00 AM ET

With the flurry of free agency behind us, teams are turning to the rest of the offseason to start preparing for the 2024-25 NBA season, which is just a few months away.

Some teams are settling in with their newly acquired superstars, such as the Philadelphia 76ers and Paul George, who will be joining Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey to form a trio of offensive power in the East.

Other big names are potentially on the move as the Utah Jazz and Lauri Markkanen remain ones to watch this offseason as they negotiate an extension.

Will the Spurs make a leap with Chris Paul and Victor Wembanyama? How will Klay Thompson fit in with the dynamic duo of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving? And will Russell Westbrook find a new home in Denver?

Our NBA insiders break down some of the biggest questions after an exciting few weeks of NBA free agency and what teams still need to address this offseason.

Note: Our panel (Kendra Andrews, Tim Bontemps, Jamal Collier, Andrew Lopez, Tim MacMahon, Dave McMenamin, Ohm Youngmisuk, Chris Herring, Kevin Pelton and Bobby Marks) is ranking all 30 teams from top to bottom following the NBA draft and free agency.

1. Boston Celtics

  • Notable additions: Baylor Scheiermann (via draft)
  • Notable departures: None

The defending champions got Jayson Tatum and Derrick White locked into extensions and should head into next season as the clear favorites to return to the NBA Finals. The question hovering over the franchise now, however, is who will own the team moving forward after Celtics governor Wyc Grousbeck announced the team would be sold within the next several months. That timeline is especially important given the team is facing a potential record-setting $500 million payroll and luxury tax number in 2025-26. – Tim Bontemps

2. Oklahoma City Thunder

  • Notable additions: Alex Caruso (via trade), Isaiah Hartenstein (via free agency), Nikola Topic (via draft), Dillon Jones (via draft)
  • Notable departures: Josh Giddey (via trade), Lindy Waters III (via trade), Mike Muscala (retired)

How will all the pieces fit after the youngest No. 1 seed in NBA history acquired two outstanding role players over the summer? Will center Isaiah Hartenstein start alongside fellow 7-footer Chet Holmgren? Will that fifth starter spot go to guard Alex Caruso to form the league’s toughest perimeter defensive duo with Lu Dort? Could the starting lineup be fluid based on matchups? These are nice questions to have for reigning Coach of the Year Mark Daigneault. – Tim MacMahon

3. Minnesota Timberwolves

  • Notable additions: Rob Dillingham (via draft), Terrence Shannon Jr. (via draft), Joe Ingles (via free agency)
  • Notable departures: Kyle Anderson (via free agency), Jordan McLaughlin (via free agency), Wendell Moore Jr. (via trade), Monte Morris (via free agency)

Coming off the franchise’s most successful season in 20 years, there’s a lot to like about the Wolves’ summer so far. They inked coach Chris Finch to a contract extension; drafted guards Rob Dillingham and Terrence Shannon Jr.; and saw Anthony Edwards and Nickeil Alexander-Walker commit to play for the U.S. and Canada, respectively, in the Olympics, which should only sharpen their games. – Dave McMenamin

4. New York Knicks

  • Notable additions: Mikal Bridges (via trade), Pacome Dadiet (via draft)
  • Notable departures: Bojan Bogdanovic (via trade), Alec Burks (via free agency), Isaiah Hartenstein (via free agency), Shake Milton (via sign-and-trade)

It’s been a huge month for the Knicks, who re-signed OG Anunoby, traded for Mikal Bridges and signed Jalen Brunson. What has yet to be resolved is what New York will do at backup center after losing Isaiah Hartenstein to the Thunder in free agency. Coach Tom Thibodeau values rim protection, and now New York has a significant hole to fill behind Mitchell Robinson, and his extensive injury history, at the 5-spot. – Bontemps

5. Dallas Mavericks

  • Notable additions: Klay Thompson (via sign and trade), Naji Marshall (via free agency)
  • Notable departures: Josh Green (via trade), Tim Hardaway Jr. (via trade), Derrick Jones Jr. (via free agency)

There’s little doubt that Dallas will rank among the league’s elite offensive teams after recruiting all-time great shooter Klay Thompson to complement Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, the NBA’s highest-scoring duo last season. Will the Mavs be able to construct a good defense around that trio? That could determine if Dallas returns to the Finals. The Mavs morphed into a contender in the final 20 games of last season, during which their defense ranked No. 1 in the league. They’re banking on Naji Marshall to fill Derrick Jones Jr.'s shoes and big man Dereck Lively II to continue improving after an All-Rookie season and strong playoff run. – MacMahon

6. Philadelphia 76ers

  • Notable additions: Paul George (via free agency), Caleb Martin (via free agency), Andre Drummond (via free agency), Eric Gordon (via free agency), Jared McCain (via draft), Adem Bona (via draft)
  • Notable departures: Paul Reed (via waivers), Buddy Hield (via trade)

No East team should feel better about its offseason than the Sixers, who landed free agent Paul George as their third star alongside Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. Philadelphia also signed ex-Miami wing Caleb Martin, one of the better role players in the league, to a four-year, $32 million deal and also managed to sign Andre Drummond, who has led the NBA in offensive rebounding percentage the past two seasons among players who logged at least 60 games in each campaign. Veteran shooter Eric Gordon should provide some punch off the bench, and re-signing both Kelly Oubre Jr. and Kyle Lowry was huge. If Philly can stay healthy – Embiid and George have missed a combined 158 games over the past three seasons – the Sixers can and should contend for the title. –Chris Herring

7. Denver Nuggets

  • Notable additions: DaRon Holmes II (via draft), Dario Saric (via free agency)
  • Notable departures: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (via free agency), Reggie Jackson (via trade)

The Nuggets were dealt a crushing loss in their first summer league game when first-round pick DaRon Holmes suffered a season-ending torn Achilles. Holmes was set to play a potentially significant role as a pivotal backup big. Although Denver added Dario Saric in free agency, the Nuggets can use more veteran depth. One name on the radar is Russell Westbrook, and the Clippers and Westbrook’s agent are exploring pathways to moving the former MVP point guard. The Nuggets, who can use a veteran backup point guard after trading Reggie Jackson and have a need for an athletic defender after losing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in free agency, are interested in Westbrook, especially if the point guard is waived, according to league sources. Denver also has to figure out what it wants to do with Zeke Nnaji, who signed a four-year, $32 million extension last October but averaged just 9.9 minutes per game last season. – Ohm Youngmisuk

8. Milwaukee Bucks

  • Notable additions: Delon Wright (via free agency), Taurean Prince (via free agency)
  • Notable departures: Malik Beasley (via free agency)

Will the Bucks reclaim their spot as one of the conference’s true contenders, or has the rest of the East passed them by? While many of their rivals made splashy moves, the Bucks have had a quiet summer. After trading for Damian Lillard on the eve of last season’s training camp and hiring Doc Rivers as coach midseason, Milwaukee hopes to benefit from some continuity next season around superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. Milwaukee got eliminated in the first round after an up-and-down season but also never got to see its team at full strength during the postseason because of a left calf injury to Antetokounmpo. – Jamal Collier

9. Indiana Pacers

  • Notable additions: James Wiseman (via free agency)
  • Notable departures: Jalen Smith (via free agency)

The Pacers made a surprise run to the East finals last season, and they spent the offseason securing the core of that run for the future. They re-signed Pascal Siakam and Obi Toppin to keep their rotation together going into next season, but with the added benefit that comes with the experience of a deep playoff run. Now, can the group continue to build on that unlikely postseason run? – Collier

10. Cleveland Cavaliers

  • Notable additions: Jaylon Tyson (via draft), Kenny Atkinson (head coach)
  • Notable departures: J.B. Bickerstaff (head coach)

Are the Cavaliers willing to pay the luxury tax? ESPN’s Brian Windhorst suggested as much in last week’s Hoop Collective, which will be necessary for Cleveland to re-sign 3-and-D wing Isaac Okoro, the top remaining restricted free agent on the market. Thus far, the Cavaliers haven’t replaced Okoro, adding only No. 20 pick Jaylon Tyson. That makes Okoro’s return a necessity, but even his $12.7 million qualifying offer would push Cleveland into the tax. With the Cavaliers apparently bringing back last season’s roster almost entirely unchanged, it’s up to new coach Kenny Atkinson and development from Evan Mobley to improve floor spacing. – Kevin Pelton

11. Orlando Magic

  • Notable additions: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (via free agency), Tristan da Silva (via draft)
  • Notable departures: Joe Ingles (via free agency)

The 47-win Magic addressed a major hole by landing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, one of the league’s best role players and perimeter shooters. No team made fewer 3-pointers last season than Orlando, which also ranked 24th in 3-point percentage. Caldwell-Pope, meanwhile, has shot over 40% from deep over the past five seasons, and nearly 43% from the corners the past eight campaigns. The team’s front office was smart to largely stay with this young roster led by Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs, which has a ton of room for upside in 2024-25. – Herring

12. Phoenix Suns

  • Notable additions: Mike Budenholzer (head coach), Ryan Dunn (via draft), Mason Plumlee (via free agency)
  • Notable departures: Frank Vogel (head coach), Drew Eubanks (via free agency), Eric Gordon (via free agency)

A Phoenix team that lacked depth last season didn’t do much to address it in the offseason, with center Mason Plumlee and guard Monte Morris being the Suns’ only additions of note. Both players have had flashes of efficacy during their careers but aren’t coming off impactful stints with the Clippers and Wolves, respectively. A lot will fall on new coach Mike Budenholzer to get more out of Phoenix defensively after it ranked No. 13 in defense under Frank Vogel. – McMenamin

13. Memphis Grizzlies

  • Notable additions: Zach Edey (via draft)
  • Notable departures: None

A team that won 27 games last season typically would have seen major changes in the offseason. But Memphis was hampered last season by both Ja Morant’s early-season suspension and injuries up and down the roster, including Morant’s season-ending shoulder issue. The Grizzlies will return a healthy Morant and a strong starting lineup that includes Marcus Smart, Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. Memphis also drafted Zach Edey at No. 9 to complement Jackson in the frontcourt. A silver lining from the Grizzlies’ lost season was the development of 2023 second-round pick GG Jackson II, who played significant minutes and was named to the All-Rookie second team. – Bobby Marks

14. New Orleans Pelicans

  • Notable additions: Dejounte Murray (via trade), Yves Missi (via draft)
  • Notable departures: Dyson Daniels (via trade), Larry Nance Jr. (via trade), E.J. Liddell (via trade), Cody Zeller (via trade), Naji Marshall (via free agency), Jonas Valanciunas (via free agency)

Despite acquiring Dejounte Murray in one of the offseason’s biggest deals, the Pelicans’ top question remains unchanged: Who is the starting center? Free agent Jonas Valanciunas signed with the Wizards, and backups Larry Nance and Cody Zeller were traded to the Hawks in the Murray deal. New Orleans still has power forward Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, but the only frontcourt additions have been rookie Yves Missi and free agent Daniel Theis. It still seems the Pelicans might have one more move left to shore up the starting group. – Andrew Lopez

15. Sacramento Kings

  • Notable additions: DeMar DeRozan (via sign and trade), Jalen McDaniels (via trade), Devin Carter (via draft), Jordan McLaughlin (via free agency)
  • Notable departures: Harrison Barnes (via trade), Chris Duarte (via trade), Davion Mitchell (via trade), Sasha Vezenkov (via trade)

Is the signing of DeMar DeRozan enough to propel the Kings in the West? DeRozan joining the Kings is one of the biggest free agent signings in Sacramento franchise history. Despite having to give up Harrison Barnes and Chris Duarte, especially on the offensive end, DeRozan’s offensive prowess, especially his midrange game, should fit nicely alongside Domantas Sabonis, De’Aaron Fox and Malik Monk – who signed a four-year extension earlier this summer. However, DeRozan’s defensive limitations won’t help an area the Kings are desperate to improve. – Kendra Andrews

16. Golden State Warriors

  • Notable additions: Buddy Hield (via free agency), Kyle Anderson (via free agency), De’Anthony Melton (via free agency)
  • Notable departures: Klay Thompson (via sign and trade), Chris Paul (waived), Dario Saric (via free agency)

It’s the end of an era with Klay Thompson joining the Mavericks, but the Warriors rebounded with the acquisitions of Buddy Hield, Kyle Anderson and De’Anthony Melton. They have more shooting options – always a priority in the Warriors’ offense – and the depth of their bench is rounding out. Is it possible for the Warriors to make one more move? Yes – and it could be for Lauri Markkanen, as discussed on the Lowe Post. But they’ll continue to develop Brandin Podziemski, Trayce Jackson-Davis, Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody to finally be steady contributors in the rotation. – Andrews

17. Los Angeles Lakers

  • Notable additions: JJ Redick (head coach), Dalton Knecht (via draft), Bronny James (via draft)
  • Notable departures: Darvin Ham (head coach), Taurean Prince (via free agency)

Is Los Angeles entering next season as the team that went 20-10 down the stretch, adding a healthy Jarred Vanderbilt and Gabe Vincent to the mix and taking commands from a new, innovative coach in JJ Redick? Or is this the same group that underperformed last season and will have to rely too much again on LeBron James, who is turning 40 in his 22nd season, just to be competitive? It depends on how one views the half glass. – McMenamin

18. LA Clippers

  • Notable additions: Derrick Jones Jr. (via free agency), Nicolas Batum (via free agency)
  • Notable departures: Paul George (via free agency), Mason Plumlee (via free agency), Daniel Theis (via free agency)

The Clippers began the process of moving on from Paul George by re-signing James Harden and also adding Derrick Jones Jr., Nicolas Batum, Kevin Porter Jr. and Mo Bamba in free agency. The Clippers have also been exploring avenues to move Russell Westbrook, with Denver as a possible destination, especially if the former MVP point guard is waived, according to league sources. If the Clippers and Westbrook part ways, the team has had an interest in adding point guard Kris Dunn. Lawrence Frank, president of basketball operations, also said P.J. Tucker and Bones Hyland want to play more, and if that is not possible with the Clippers, the team will explore other avenues for the two role players. – Youngmisuk

19. Miami Heat

  • Notable additions: Kel’el Ware (via draft)
  • Notable departures: Caleb Martin (via free agency)

Are there moves left to make for Miami? The team reupped center Bam Adebayo to a three-year max extension, drafted Kel’el Ware and Pelle Larsson, re-signed Kevin Love, Haywood Highsmith and Thomas Bryant, and added just Alec Burks in free agency. For now, it seems like Miami is running it back, which isn’t the worst plan considering how injured this team was a season ago. The Heat used 35 starting lineups in 2023-24 and had only two five-man lineups play more than 80 minutes. – Lopez

20. Houston Rockets

  • Notable additions: Reed Sheppard (via draft), AJ Griffin (via trade), Aaron Holiday (via free agency)
  • Notable departures: None

Which of the talented young players the Rockets have added over the past four drafts fit into Houston’s long-term future? It’s a particularly pressing question for Alperen Sengun and Jalen Green. The Rockets’ two leading scorers from last season are extension eligible entering the final season of their rookie contracts. Will they be cornerstones for hard-nosed coach Ime Udoka? If not, they could be in future trade conversations, and the Rockets have deftly loaded up on future draft capital to position themselves to eventually take a big swing in the trade market. – MacMahon

21. San Antonio Spurs

  • Notable additions: Chris Paul (via free agency), Harrison Barnes (via free agency), Stephon Castle (via draft)
  • Notable departures: Devonte’ Graham (via trade)

What’s next for San Antonio after the team added 39-year-old Chris Paul and 32-year-old Harrison Barnes to the youngest team in the league? It’s still a patient approach. The Spurs needed an influx of talent and added not only those two veterans but also Stephon Castle with the No. 4 pick in the draft. It’s a much more experienced lineup than a season ago, but San Antonio still played for the future. The Spurs picked up a future pick and swap in the draft when they traded the No. 8 pick to the Timberwolves last month and landed an unprotected 2031 swap from the Kings in the Barnes deal. – Lopez

22. Atlanta Hawks

  • Notable additions: Zaccharie Risacher (via draft), Dyson Daniels (via trade)
  • Notable departures: Saddiq Bey (via free agency), AJ Griffin (via trade), Dejounte Murray (via trade)

Is there another trade this offseason? After dealing Dejounte Murray to New Orleans, the Hawks are left with a roster that’s overflowing with centers (Clint Capela, Larry Nance Jr. and Onyeka Okongwu) and are relying on second-year guard Kobe Bufkin to back up Trae Young. A trade might rebalance Atlanta’s lineups. Either way, the Hawks are counting on better fit around Young to compensate for the talent downgrade in trading Murray. If Atlanta misses the playoffs again, there will be no lottery pick payoff; the Hawks’ first-round pick is heading to San Antonio unprotected. – Pelton

23. Utah Jazz

  • Notable additions: Drew Eubanks (via free agency), Cody Williams (via draft), Isaiah Collier (via draft), Kyle Filipowski (via draft)
  • Notable departures: Kris Dunn (via free agency)

All eyes are on Utah through Aug. 6, the first day the Jazz can renegotiate Lauri Markkanen’s contract in conjunction with a long-term extension. It is also the last day Utah can make that move and have Markkanen be trade eligible at the deadline. As a result, consider that date the deadline for a decision on a possible Markkanen trade. If the Jazz don’t use the bulk of their $35 million in cap space on renegotiating Markkanen’s contract, they suddenly become the prime destination for teams looking to shed salary, which could net Utah even more draft picks. – Pelton

24. Toronto Raptors

  • Notable additions: Ja’Kobe Walter (via draft), Davion Mitchell (via trade), Garrett Temple (via free agency)
  • Notable departures: Jalen McDaniels (via trade), Gary Trent Jr. (via free agency)

Toronto committed a ton of future money, including $224 million over five years to forward Scottie Barnes and $175 million over five years to guard Immanuel Quickley, but aside from that, it’s been a relatively quiet free agency for the Raptors. They’re still in the early stages of their rebuild after dealing away Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby last season and will be leaning heavily on internal development this fall. Backup point guard Davion Mitchell, whom Toronto traded for prior to free agency, was the team’s biggest veteran pickup this summer. – Herring

25. Chicago Bulls

  • Notable additions: Josh Giddey (via trade), Chris Duarte (via trade) and Matas Buzelis (via draft)
  • Notable departures: Alex Caruso (via trade), DeMar DeRozan (via trade), Andre Drummond (via free agency)

After three years without making a trade involving a player, the Bulls decided to shake up their roster this summer, moving on from their best offensive player (DeMar DeRozan) and defensive player (Alex Caruso). It has set the Bulls up for a youth movement next season, centered around guard Josh Giddey and rookie forward Matas Buzelis alongside guard Coby White and forward Patrick Williams. Yet, Zach LaVine remains on the roster despite trade speculation surrounding his name for most of the past year. Will the Bulls be able to move LaVine before the start of the season, or does he fit into their plans next year if he remains on the roster? – Collier

26. Charlotte Hornets

  • Notable additions: Charles Lee (head coach), Reggie Jackson (via trade), Josh Green (via trade)
  • Notable departures: Steve Clifford (head coach)

This summer, the Hornets prioritized improving their roster as well as building draft equity. Charlotte re-signed Miles Bridges to a three-year, $75 million contract, added Reggie Jackson and Josh Green in trades, and drafted Tidjane Saluan and KJ Simpson last month. The health of guard LaMelo Ball and another year of development will determine if Charlotte improves on its 21 wins from last season. Ball played only 21 games last season, and Brandon Miller was named to the All-Rookie first team. – Marks

27. Portland Trail Blazers

  • Notable additions: Donovan Clingan (via draft), Deni Avdija (via trade)
  • Notable departures: Malcolm Brogdon (via trade)

Besides sending Malcolm Brogdon and a draft pick to the Wizards for forward Deni Avdija, the Trail Blazers have been quiet this offseason. They have no cap space, are up against the luxury tax and the trade market is dry – is there anything they can do? The hope for Portland is that its young core continues to improve and will eventually blossom into players who can lead them to wins, but in the meantime, it will be hard for the Blazers to make any true progress. – Andrews

28. Detroit Pistons

  • Notable additions: J.B. Bickerstaff (head coach), Paul Reed (via free agency)
  • Notable departures: Monty Williams (head coach), Taj Gibson (via free agency), Quentin Grimes (via trade), James Wiseman (via free agency)

The Pistons are not close to competing for a playoff spot, but their roster is remarkably better than the one that won an NBA-worst 14 games last season. Not only did Detroit hire Trajan Langdon to run basketball operations, but it also added JB Bickerstaff as its new coach. The Pistons prioritized surrounding former top pick Cade Cunningham with outside shooting, trading for Tim Hardaway Jr. and signing Tobias Harris, Malik Beasley and Simone Fontecchio in free agency. Last season, the Pistons ranked 26th in 3-point percentage and last in catch-and-shoot 3-point percentage. – Marks

29. Washington Wizards

  • Notable additions: Alex Sarr (via draft), Bub Carrington (via draft), Kyshawn George (via draft), Jonas Valanciunas (via free agency)
  • Notable departures: Deni Avdija (via trade)

The Wizards were busy on draft night, adding rookies Alex Sarr, Bub Carrington and Kyshawn George and veteran point guard Malcolm Brogdon. There is also interest around the league in forward Kyle Kuzma, but Washington will continue to operate with patience as it looks for young talent and draft picks. Adding former first-round pick Saddiq Bey on a three-year, $20 million deal gives the Wizards another young wing with scoring potential. The Wizards’ timeline means the team can afford to wait for Bey, who is recovering from a torn left ACL suffered late last season. – Youngmisuk

30. Brooklyn Nets

  • Notable additions: Jordi Fernandez (head coach), Bojan Bogdanovic (via trade), Shake Milton (via trade)
  • Notable departures: Kevin Ollie (interim head coach), Mikal Bridges (via trade)

Ripping off the Band-Aid by trading Mikal Bridges and reacquiring control over their next two drafts has put the Nets in position to finally choose a path. For Brooklyn, the question now becomes whether the franchise will eventually move on from players such as Cam Johnson, Dorian Finney-Smith and Dennis Schroder, who could all return value in trades. Center Nic Claxton could, as well, once he’s eligible to be moved next season after re-signing this offseason. – Bontemps

via ESPN